During his 27-run knock against Sri Lanka in Nidahas Trophy, Raina went past Dhoni in terms of maximum runs scored by an Indian batsman in T20 internationals.

Photo Credit: PTI&nbsp

In the absence of superstar players Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, Indian left-hander Suresh Raina has taken up additional responsibilities and been an impact player not just with the bat but on the outfield as well. Raina, who made a comeback in the Indian squad during the T20I series against South Africa earlier this year, has produced scores of 1, 28 and 27 in India's first three fixtures. It was the 27-run knock against Sri Lanka, in the most recent match which India won by five wickets, that Raina went past Dhoni in terms of maximum runs scored by an Indian batsman in T20 internationals. Raina now has 1452 runs in T20Is, compared to Dhoni, who has scored 1444 runs.

Leading the chart is Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has amassed 1983 runs followed by Indian opener Rohit Sharma, who has 1707 runs under his belt from 77 matches. In the overall list, Kohli is on the third position behind Brendon McCullum (2140) and Martin Guptill (2271). Raina, who has played 71 T20I matches so far, has scored one century and four fifties at a strike rate of 133.70.

Raina also recently became only the third Indian cricketer to hit 50 sixes in T20Is. Yuvraj Singh holds the top spot in the list with 74 sixes, followed Rohit Sharma 69 maximums to his name. MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli complete the top 5 with 46 and 41 sixes to their name, respectively.

Commenting on his return to the Indian Team in South Africa, Raina had said: "It feels like I've been selected to the Indian team for the first time. I have worked hard for the past two years, so when I saw my India jersey I felt a bit emotional that I got the jersey after quite a while."

While his fans and pundits would believe that Raina still can do a lot more than pitching in scores of 20s and 30s, the 31-year-old has virtually a new beginning in the Indian blues and is only regaining his lost touch. While whatever cameos Raina has put in so far, it is understood that he still has the ability to do justice with the Indian shirt.